Historic tavern on the National Road, 1974

The Red Brick Tavern is an Ohio landmark that dates back to 1837. Located just north of London,
it’s a short road trip from Columbus on historic Rt. 40. Currently it is a restaurant and tavern
specializing in American cuisine.

Originally a stagecoach stop, the Red Brick has had a variety of uses throughout its long
history. During a portion of the 1800s it was an inn and tavern. Six U.S. presidents stopped
there: John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary
Taylor and Warren G. Harding.

The advent of railroads meant that fewer people were traveling along the National Road. As a
result, the Red Brick closed in 1859 and was converted into residential housing. From 1854 to 1864,
a school also occupied the third floor. It didn’t reopen as a tavern until 1924.

Today, visitors can eat in the original dining room. Upper rooms are used for special
events.

The tavern is said to have at least one ghost, evidenced by creaking floors and whispering.
Lights are turned on and off without explanation.

Here is an excerpt from the
Forgotten Ohio web
site, which has some really interesting information on the Red Brick:

“It's the classic tale: a woman learned that her fiancee had found someone new, became
despondent, and killed herself. According to the legend, before the woman committed suicide she
embroidered a sampler which now hangs in the second floor hallway. REMEMBER ME, it says. Her ghost
is said to be responsible for the fact that the sampler is stained blood red--so dark that it's
nearly unreadable.”

The Red Brick is located at 1700 Cumberland Rd. (Route 40) in Lafayette, Ohio. It’s halfway
between Columbus and Springfield.